What Do We Mean by Radical? A Look at Radical Christian Living

Radical Christian living means full surrender to God and deep connection with others. It’s the life we pursue at Radical Mentoring.

The concept of a “radical” life often gets twisted in our world. We’re bombarded with messages suggesting it’s about self-empowerment, chasing personal glory, and defining our own version of truth and success. But at Radical Mentoring, we see it differently. We look at our lives through a Biblical lens, a truly “radical” life is one of intentional surrender, selflessness, and a deep commitment to God’s purpose. 

So, what are the key principles that make our mentor-led, group discipleship journeys and the lives they produce genuinely “radical?” And how does this connect with what we mean by radical Christian living?

The Heart of Radical Christian Living

At its core, radical Christian living begins with the understanding that God is on the Throne, Not Us. Our culture constantly tells us to take control and be the architects of our own destinies. 

But real freedom comes when we let go. We trust that God’s plans are far greater than our own. Jesus showed us this perfectly. He lived in full obedience to the Father. His life wasn’t about personal gain, but about sacrificial love and unwavering trust. That’s the foundation of our radical approach.

We also Reject Individualism and Embrace Community. Our culture often celebrates self-reliance to a fault, but Jesus consistently demonstrated the importance of connection. He surrounded himself with people, sharing life’s moments, extending forgiveness, and serving those around Him. Following Him means intentionally moving away from a purely independent mindset and embracing the richness and challenges of authentic community. 

In our mentoring groups, we actualize our faith as a “team sport,” prioritizing lives which “suffer together and celebrate together”. We believe no one is meant to walk alone. Remember, Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs for a reason. 

Another part of radical Christian living is choosing to live for others. Jesus made it clear that He came not to be served, but to serve. As His followers, our lives should reflect that same radical generosity. This involves a conscious shift in perspective, asking, “How can I love and give?” rather than focusing on personal gain. It means choosing service even when it’s inconvenient. This selfless orientation is a vital aspect of radical Christian living. 

Embracing the Challenge, Holding onto Eternity

We also recognize that Embracing Hard is integral to this journey. The world encourages us to seek comfort and avoid difficulty. However, Jesus’ call to follow Him didn’t come with promises of ease, but rather the image of a cross. 

Radical living means developing endurance, stepping into uncomfortable situations, loving those who may be difficult to love, and choosing obedience even when the personal cost is significant. Our mentoring groups provide a supportive environment to navigate these challenges together and reinforce the reality that our greatest testimony in life may be how we react to suffering.

We also believe in asking for help. Humility is central to radical living. While the world often praises strength and self-sufficiency, Jesus calls us to confession, dependence on God, and the acceptance of grace.

We are not meant to project an image of having it all together. We need God’s guidance and the support of one another. Radical Mentoring fosters a space where vulnerability is encouraged, and our shared need for connection and growth is acknowledged. 

Ultimately, a radical life is one that keeps its true destination in mind. We are Citizens of Heaven, and our ultimate hope rests not in earthly powers or possessions, but in eternity. Radical Christian living means keeping that truth at the center. We invest in what matters most and use our gifts for God’s glory.

This is the call to live radically – a call marked by complete surrender, deep community, sacrificial love, and unwavering faith. It’s a conscious choice to say: God is in control, community is essential, challenges are to be embraced, help is necessary, and our eternal home shapes our present lives. 

This is the essence of the radical life we pursue together in Radical Mentoring.

Live Radically—Together

Ready to explore radical Christian living in community?
Discover how Radical Mentoring can help you grow in faith, purpose, and connection.